After 2 decades of neglect, national museum gets overhaul

The Federal Government has unveiled the rehabilitated National Museum Lagos, marking a major overhaul of the facility after more than two decades without extensive renovation. The project, executed in partnership with IHS Towers, is expected to serve as a model for the revitalisation of museums across the country. The renovated facility features upgraded exhibition spaces, […]

The Federal Government has unveiled the rehabilitated National Museum Lagos, marking a major overhaul of the facility after more than two decades without extensive renovation.

The project, executed in partnership with IHS Towers, is expected to serve as a model for the revitalisation of museums across the country.

The renovated facility features upgraded exhibition spaces, including the “Echoes of the Past” gallery, with additional phases of development expected to focus on expansion, conservation and improved visitor facilities.

Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, said the rehabilitation reflects a renewed commitment to preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“I am absolutely overjoyed with what has been done here at the National Museum,” she said, adding, “We talk about Nigeria having all this beautiful content, culture, creativity… but it has not been captured properly in the past because… we’ve not been able to maintain it in a way that does justice to that culture and our history.”

She noted that the upgraded facility now provides a framework that can be replicated nationwide.

“With this rehabilitation, I think what we have done is something that we can replicate all over the country,” Musawa added.

“This is something that we can really maintain, not only echoes of the past… but present and also for the benefit of the future,” he said.

The minister emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in sustaining cultural infrastructure, describing IHS as “very instrumental” in both the museum’s digitisation efforts and physical upgrade.

Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, said the renovation addresses years of decline and repositions the museum as a functional learning and cultural centre.

“For the last two decades, [the museum] has not undergone any extensive renovation,” he said, adding, “What that means is that… it wasn’t an appealing place to come and learn anything.”

Speaking on the partnership, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Services Officer of IHS Nigeria, Dapo Otunla, said the intervention aligns with the company’s sustainability agenda.

“This is just one of our many sustainability projects… sustainability is a watchword,” he said.

Otunla noted that the renovation included structural upgrades, improved power infrastructure and the digitisation of artefacts.

“We started off digitising about 200 artefacts, and the intention is to continue to grow that number,” he said, adding that technology now enables virtual interaction with collections.

He said the impact of the project extends beyond financial returns, adding, “You can’t put money on what’s been done here. It goes beyond that.”